It's Time to Embrace Civility!

People everywhere are facing a worldwide, growing epidemic of incivility. Our workplaces, our schools, our cities and towns, our news and even our entertainment is infected with rudeness, bullying and mean-spirited incivility. Something has to change and IT STARTS WITH EACH OF US!

Uncivil behaviors are extremely contagious, and over time can infect a family, an organization, a school, a city and even an entire country. But, just as rude and uncivil behaviors beget more rudeness and incivility, your kind, considerate and civil behaviors will bring about more kindness and civility!

Each of us has the power to turn this problem around . . . and we CAN do it one person at a time.

Will you take the Civility Pledge?

Here's what you need to do:

1. Sign this petition.

2. Choose one or two behaviors from the list below and promise to make them a habit.

3. When you make the suggested changes, watch how your positive behaviors go “viral” and "infect" others in a positive way.

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* Please note: Many Change.org petitions promote a "tangible" end result such as passing a law. While we applaud those worthwhile efforts, the power of this petition lies with each of us. By signing our petition and taking the pledge, you'll join a grassroots movement to restore civility to our workplaces, schools, families and public discourse -- by influencing one person at a time! Thank you!

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Here are some behaviors you can commit to doing:

- Listen. Really listen to others when they speak to you.

- Recognize when you are in a bad mood (for whatever reason) and choose behaviors that do NOT negatively impact those around you. For example, refrain from being short-tempered with a co-worker because you are upset about a fight you had with your spouse. The two are not related.

- Pipe down! If you are the loudest person in the room, you can be sure no one is really listening to you.

- Give up trying to be “right” all the time. If you’re always right, you’re doing something wrong. Try to separate your knowledge from your opinions. Allow others to have their own beliefs and opinions.